Alright, world-traveling wild child! So, you’ve got the wanderlust bug and your pockets? Well, they’re screaming louder than you at a karaoke night. Fear not! We’ve been in the “make money while living the dream” game for over five years. And guess what? We’ve got your saucy little back.
Cash for Entertainment.
Why not? Put those questionable juggling or fire-breathing skills to use! Just remember:
“The world’s a stage, and most of us are desperately unrehearsed.” Sean O’Casey.
Remember when your mom told you playing the spoons wasn’t a “real” talent? Prove her wrong!
Choose Your Talent: Street performing is all about showcasing your talent and wowing the crowd. You’ve got options, my friends – we’re talking singing, playing instruments, dancing, magic tricks, juggling, acrobatics, pantomime, and more. The world is your stage, so choose a talent that sets your soul on fire and captivates those passersby.
Location: The secret ingredient to a successful street performance is where you set up shop. You need a bustling, happening spot with high foot traffic – places like tourist attractions, city squares, shopping streets, and parks. Don’t forget to check the local regulations, though. You don’t want to end up on the wrong side of the street-performing law. So be a savvy artist and obtain any necessary permits or licenses.
Prepare Your Act: You better practice until you’re polished and ready to rock that street like nobody’s business. But hey, don’t stop there – think about how you can spice things up and keep those spectators entertained. Add some audience interaction, sprinkle in some humor, or tell a damn good story. Adapt your act to match the cultural preferences and tastes of your local audience. Trust me, a well-prepared and engaging performance is gonna leave the crowd wanting more and more.
Engage with Your Audience: Engaging with your audience is key to giving them an unforgettable experience and lining your pockets with those sweet, sweet tips. Flash those pearly whites, make eye contact, and show some gratitude to the peeps watching your awesome show. And if the moment feels right, invite them to sing along or bust a move with you. Because let’s be real, who doesn’t want to be part of the show?
Create a Visual Display: Create a visual spectacle that will stop pedestrians in their tracks and make their jaws drop. Bust out those props, costumes, or signage that scream “Look at me, I’m freaking amazing!” You want your setup to be visually striking so that even people in the next country can’t help but notice you. Trust me, when your performance looks as incredible as it sounds, the crowd will gather like moths to a flame.
Your Bed and Breakfast.
Hostels often trade a few hours of cleaning or reception work for a free bed. Plus, free access to the communal kitchen’s leftover pasta! As the experts say: “Why buy the cow when you can get the spaghetti for free?” Alright, no one says that. But they should.
Hostels often trade a few hours of cleaning or reception work for a free bed. Plus, free access to the communal kitchen’s leftover pasta! As the experts say: “Why buy the cow when you can get the spaghetti for free?” Alright, no one says that. But they should.
Receptionist: Get ready to handle check-ins, check-outs, reservations, and answer those never-ending guest inquiries. As a receptionist, you’ll be the superhero of customer service, making sure guests are happy and satisfied.
Housekeeping: Hostels need their very own housekeeping heroes to keep things spotless. You’ll be responsible for making those dormitories, bathrooms, and common areas sparkle and shine like they’ve never seen before. Making beds, vacuuming, mopping – you name it, you’ll be doing it.
Kitchen Staff/Cook: Some hostels have their own little food heaven where guests can prepare their meals or indulge in delicious dishes and drinks. If you know your way around a kitchen and wield those culinary skills like a pro, you might just find yourself as the cook or kitchen assistant at a hostel.
Tour Guide/Activities Coordinator: Some hostels offer guided tours, epic excursions, and social activities that need someone with your expertise. If you’ve got the local area knowledge and enjoy making people’s lives more exciting, you could be the ultimate tour guide or activities coordinator. Lead groups of fellow explorers on epic outings, organize social events that’ll have people talking for years, and become the master of awesome memories.
Yes, we’re talking about languages.
You’re in business if you’re fluent in English or another in-demand language. Teach classes or offer one-on-one sessions. The age-old saying goes: “Speak, and ye shall receive… cash.” Okay, let’s make that up.
Private Tutoring: Forget about the traditional classroom – with private tutoring, you get to be the boss and tailor your lessons to the specific needs and interests of your students. Want to teach French while sipping coffee at a local café? Go for it! Just make sure to advertise your services online through social media, community bulletin boards, or local classified ads.
Language Schools: Many cities around the world are on the lookout for native speakers or experienced language teachers to enlighten their students. Whether you’re a multilingual genius or just a language enthusiast, contact those local language schools and inquire about job opportunities. Find out what requirements they have for teaching positions, and show them why you’re the language guru they’ve been waiting for.
Online Teaching: You can teach from anywhere in the world – even in your PJs! Online teaching is the name of the game, and platforms like VIPKid, iTalki, and Preply are waiting for you to sign up. Say goodbye to those stuffy classrooms and hello to the freedom of remote work. Set your own schedule, conduct lessons via video chat, and provide personalized instruction to students from all corners of the globe.
Volunteer Teaching: Calling all language warriors with a heart of gold! It’s time to give back to the community while gaining some teaching experience. Volunteer teaching is the way to go, my inspiring adventurers. Head over to local community centers, schools, or non-profit organizations and offer your language skills to underserved communities, refugees, or immigrants. Teach English, French, Spanish, or any language you’re passionate about.
Because Digital Nomads are Cool.
Writing, graphic designing, consulting – the Internet’s your oyster, my friend. Just remember, “Freelancing is just like dating. Be picky and know your worth, but also be open to the occasional disaster for a good story later.” – Some Expert Probably.
Freelance Writing: From articles to blog posts, copywriting to editing, there are endless opportunities to let your brilliant ideas flow. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are waiting for you to showcase your skills and find some kickass freelance writing gigs.
Graphic Design: If you’ve got a knack for graphic design, then get ready to unleash your artistic powers. Design logos, branding, illustrations, web layouts, and even digital marketing materials. Platforms like 99designs, Dribbble, and Behance are just waiting for you to strut your stuff and showcase your mind-blowing portfolio.
Web Development/Programming: If you’ve got the skills, why not offer your services as a freelance web developer or programmer? Build stunning websites, web applications, or software for clients using languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Python, or Ruby on Rails. Platforms like Toptal, Upwork, and Freelancer are your golden ticket to connecting with clients who are desperately seeking your web development wizardry.
Digital Marketing: How about offering your talents as a freelance digital marketer? Help businesses dominate the online world with social media management, SEO wizardry, email marketing brilliance, content marketing mastery, or even pay-per-click advertising awesomeness.
Virtual Assistance: Become a virtual assistant and save the day for businesses and entrepreneurs. Provide administrative support, master email management, conquer scheduling nightmares, tackle customer service, or effortlessly handle data entry. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) have virtual assistant jobs just waiting for someone as badass as you.
Translation/Transcription: If you’re bilingual or multilingual, why not put those language skills to work as a freelance translator or transcriptionist? Translate documents, websites, audio/video content – you name it! Or, transcribe audio recordings into written text like the linguistic superhero you are. Websites like TranslatorsCafe, Rev, and Gengo are eagerly waiting to connect you with translation and transcription opportunities.
Online Teaching/Tutoring: Offer online tutoring or teaching services and be the guiding light in subjects like language learning, academic subjects, test preparation, or specialized skills. Teach English as a second language (ESL), math, science, programming, music – the possibilities are endless! Platforms like VIPKid, iTalki, and Chegg Tutors are just dying to connect you with eager students seeking online lessons.
Photography/Videography: If you’ve got a talent for photography or videography, then let your creativity run wild. Sell your stunning photos and videos through stock photography websites, create custom content for clients, or offer your services for events, weddings, or businesses.
Sizzle, Fry, and Sell.
Do you have a grandma’s secret recipe? Make it and sell it! But please, for the love of all things holy, taste test it first. Remember, “One man’s trash is another man’s international culinary sensation.”
Research Local Regulations: Before setting up your street food business, research the local regulations and laws regarding food safety, permits, licenses, and street vending in the area you plan to operate. Compliance with regulations is essential to avoid fines or legal issues.
Choose Your Specialty: Decide on the type of street food you want to sell based on your culinary skills, local preferences, and market demand. Consider offering a unique or distinctive dish that sets you apart from competitors and appeals to a broad audience.
Find a Strategic Location: Location is key to the success of your street food business. Look for high-traffic areas with a steady flow of pedestrians, such as tourist attractions, parks, markets, festivals, or busy street corners. Ensure that the location is safe, accessible, and compliant with local regulations.
Expanding Your Horizon and Wallet: The Extended Edition
Alright, globetrotter, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s deep dive into some more tempting (and occasionally eyebrow-raising) ways to keep that cash flowing while you’re jumping from one continent to the next.
Your Life, Serialized for Money.
We’re not saying you’re the next Anthony Bourdain or anything, but who knows? The world may be dying to understand your unique perspective on why the Eiffel Tower is an overrated clothes hanger. Plus, with platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, monetizing your misadventures is easier than ever. As the great Oscar Wilde probably didn’t say, “If you can’t make it good, at least make it look good.”
Because Not Everything Needs a Filter.
Magazines, newspapers, and online platforms always look for fresh content. Send pitches, share unique stories, and get paid. Still, trying to figure out where to start? Ah, young padawan, remember this: “If you can’t convince them with facts, dazzle them with bullsh*t.”
Click. Edit. Sell.
Do you have a knack for capturing the soul of a place with a click? Stock photography sites or even individual clients might buy your shots. Just remember, your blurry nightclub selfies don’t count.
Get Paid to Stay.
People worldwide need trustworthy souls to watch over their homes or pets while they’re away. Sites like Trusted House sitters link wanderlusters like you with opportunities. Best part? You get a free place to stay and, sometimes, a cute doggo to cuddle.
Recommend, Refer, and Reap the Benefits.
Suppose you’ve got a platform (blog, vlog, interpretive dance channel) and an audience. In that case, you can promote products and earn a commission. But a word to the wise: Promote stuff you believe in. No one wants to hear about your “miracle” toenail growth serum.
1. Stay Humble: That monk on a mountain didn’t learn inner peace by bragging about his Instagram followers.
2. Be Patient: Building an income abroad is like wine. It gets better with time. Or sometimes turns to vinegar. That’s what makes life spicy!
3. Engage with Locals: They have the best secrets. Like that hidden beach or the pub that gives free drinks if you can yodel.
Bouncing between currencies, cultures, and questionable street food choices, life on the road isn’t for the faint-hearted. But you can fill your pockets while emptying your bucket list with a pinch of grit, a sprinkle of creativity, and a dollop of shamelessness.
To earn while you learn (about cultures) is the modern nomad’s churn.” – Okay, we just made that up, but it sounds insightful, right?
Pack light, aim high, and remember: The world’s your playground and marketplace. Go forth and monetize!
Traveling the world and making money? It’s not just for James Bond anymore. Get out there, make some memories, earn some money, and, for goodness sake, stay out of trouble… or at least be discreet about it.
“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley.
And remember, if all else fails, there’s always the option of just sipping mojitos on the beach and hoping a millionaire falls madly in love with your sunburned self. Travel Till You Drop and Safe travels!
Q: Is this legal?
A: Always check local laws. While juggling might win hearts in Paris, it might win you a fine in Singapore.
Q: How much can I expect to earn?
A: From a few bucks to a full-fledged income, baby. Depends on the hustle.
Q: Do I need a work visa?
A: Typically, yes. Don’t be that person getting deported for selling bootleg tacos.
Q: Can I mix and match these money-making methods?
A: Heck, yes! Diversify those income streams like a Wall Street tycoon at a Vegas buffet.
Q: How do I manage money across different currencies?
A: Online bank accounts, travel credit cards, and apps can be life savers. But don’t keep all your cash in your shoes. That’s just smelly.
Q: What if I’m terrible at all of these?
A: Ah, young grasshopper. In the words of someone important somewhere, “If at first you don’t succeed, redefine success.”
1. Network: It’s all about who you know, darling. And who they know. And who their dog knows.
2. Safety First: Always let someone know where you are. Even if it’s just your pet rock, Steve.
3. Adapt: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Bangkok, well… don’t juggle durians.
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. This is my very first stop when I’m looking for my next trip. It’s a fast, easy-to-use search engine that is perfect for finding an affordable flight, a perfect hotel, and the right rental car for you in locations around the globe.
If you are looking for a super budget friendly location and are open to a hostel stay, make sure you book your hostel with Hostelworld. It offers the broadest range of quality hostels around the world.
If you’d prefer a hotel or a guesthouse for stays less than 28 days, drop on over to Booking.com It’s perfect for providing excellent options, a ton of user reviews, and prices to fit every budget.
For stays over 28 days, AirBnB still remains my #1 choice. User reviews and monthly pricing allow for some incredible deals all around the world.
Travel insurance is but a small up-front investment that you won’t want to leave home without. After just one experience of having to delay or cancel your trip or having your luggage stolen, you’ll wish you would have made that investment. I’ve hated my life a few times when the moment arose, and I decided to skip out. Let’s just say, I’ve changed my ways and recommend each of the following companies to protect your ass-ets.
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to getting free flights to get started.
Check out my Resource Page for the best companies to help you book your travel at reduced rates! This list will help you get to where you’re going. I know-I use them ALL the time!
Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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